2008-09 Flops of the Year

Whilst the football writers are busy casting their votes for player of the year and the erstwhile pros cast their votes for PFA Team of the Year, unfortunately esteemed writers and players are not asked to vote for their dunces of the year. Well I have no such professional integrity to compromise, so I am going to set out my flops of the year. Just to be clear, these are players of whom bigthings were expected or who have been built up under false reputation, players universally acknowledged to be limited won't be included (ahem, Darren Bent). So without further ado, these are this season's ten biggest wastrels.

10.Morten Gamst PEDERSEN (Blackburn Rovers)-Two seasons ago, Pedersen went to Old Trafford and produced a virtuoso two goal performance that gave Rovers a shock victory over United. His seemingly endless cavalcade of wonder goals and peerless set piece delivery made him one of the hottest properties outside of the Premiership quadropoly. Now a distant shadow of the player whose left foot gave right full backs nightmares, rarely looks interested and has developed a nasty, cynical Hyde side opposed to his boyband Jekyll persona. (Pedersen actually is in a Norwegian boyband too- that should and does count against him) neatly encapsulated by his laughable swan dive at chez Gooner.

9.AFONSO ALVES (Middlesbrough)- Since the dawn of Southgate's tenure, Boro have been a side that have struggled to score. So in the January window in 2008, Southgate spent £12.6m on Afonso Alves- who had been tearing up Holland's Eridivisie by all accounts. Whilst his dog with two dicks impression was attributed to acclimatisation last season, this year has seen it look not so much impersonation as apt sobriquet as Alves has troubled the twat with the drum in the North Stand more than he ruffles the goalnet. Alves has become the byword for money burning on Teeside and Southgate has been so underwhelmed that he plays Aliadiere as a lone striker nowadays.

8.Andrea DOSSENA (Liverpool)- Every club's fans has its pantomime villain and the Kop End's current bete noir is summer signing Andrea Dossena. With Finnan, Josemi and Kromkamp having all fallen by the wayside under Rafa's revolving door reign, the fat Spanish waiter thought he had cracked this problem position by signing Italy's first choice sweetheart for £7.2m. Seven months on, Carragher, Skrtel and even Mascherano have kept Dossena's splinter ridden backside firmly planted on the bench. The massive misnomer here is that he has registered goals against Manchester United and Real Madrid this season.

7.Michael BALLACK (Chelsea)- At the business end of last season, with Chelsea's dual pursuit of honours at full tilt, Ballack finally began to demonstrate his obvious quality and experience to carry Chelsea through with some decisive goals and incisive displays. Cut to this season and, in the final year of his contract, aware that Abramovic is more frugal these days, Ballack has looked disinterested, lazy and barely in shape. He appears to have sold the conundrum of how to accomodate himself and Lampard into the same team by simply allowing Lampard to do all of the donkey work. Come to think of it, Abramovic's sole extravagance nowadays appears to be settlements, so maybe Ballackis trying to get himself sacked?

6.Fabricio COLOCCINI (Newcastle United)- The Magpies really should have seen the warning signs when Spurs took Coloccini on loan in 2005 and did not play him. A commandering performance at Old Trafford on the opening day and a curriculum vitae which includes A.C. Milan and Deportivo La Coruna in their salad days had praise ringing euphoniously in Coloccini's ears. Several dozen awful displays later, that particular dawn has been exposed as counterfeit. Note to all footballers, if you're calamitously bad, do NOT grow a massive curly afro. You only draw the sort of attention that is going to see you included in lists such as this.

5.ROBINHO (Manchester City)- After scoring against not so secret admirers Chelsea on his debut and generally running ragged in the late summer with Citeh- culminating in him masterminding a 6-0 crushing of Pompey- Robinho has not so much gone off the boil since his last goal in November (against Arsenal-naturally) as emptied the contents of the kettle into the sink in a fit if pique. Disinterested away from home, already having had several alleged bust ups with his manager, City's marquee signing has done little to shift his reputation as a cry baby.

4.DECO (Chelsea)- After a masterful home debut against Portsmouth, followed by a beautiful winning goalin the following game against Wigan, Deco had thouhgtful, philosophical and in no way reactionary pundit Jamie Redknapp musing whether he was the finest signing in Premiership history. (This of course after Jamie articulated a thought provoking sermon on the Suez Crisis). Seven months later and Deco has seen more bench than a High Court Judge and has generally been written off as the answer to the question Chelsea were never asking.

3.Nicky SHOREY (Aston Villa)- A few England call ups during an impressive spell at Reading were SOS enough to catch the attention of Martin O'Neill, who airlifted him from the Royals' relegation liner. Shorey was considered one of England's bright young things and was given his chance when Wilfred Bouma obtained a nasty injury in pre season. Now O'Neill opts for Luke Young at left back with either Cuellar or Reo Coker at right back whilst Shorey plays 'this little piggy went to market' in the Villa Park dugout. Also suffered the ignonimy of actually being picked to play for Villa in Moscow in O'Neill's ill fated waifs and strays experiment.

2.Robbie KEANE (Liverpool)- If you are signed for £20m in July and sold for three quarters that amount six months later, you cannot be construed as anything other than a spectacular failure. Keane may have been the unfortunate piggy in the middle of a Parry Benitez squabble, but he also showed that the expectations of a big club are a cut above. His early attempts to prosletyze himself with the Kop by affirming his life long affiliation with the club were instantly exposed when an article appeared from 206 in which he claimed to be a lifelong Celtic fan. His malleable affection was marred only by his wayward finishing which, when put directly adjacent to that of Fernando Torres, was not up to much. Has now accepted his lot and swanned back off to Spurs with his tail firmly between his legs and his gross dissent towards officials still as unsavoury as ever.

1.David BENTLEY (Tottenham Hotpsur)- This time last year, Bentley was trumpeted as the nation's successor to David Beckham- it was all there, the initials, the rubbis hairstyles, the shit eating grin. Only trouble was Tottenham did not scout vigiliantly enough to realise that his cross success rate is about one decent cross to every fifteen cloud botherers. His flash Freddie persona has found him few friends at Tottenham, even though he managed to lob an Arsenal goalie from forty yards! Bottom of his Christmas card list is Harry Redknapp who does not appear to rate him at all, even taking him off at half time in a recent game and unapologetically informing the press, 'David was ill, apparently.' With Aaron Lennon starting to look like he has grasped the precise definition of 'end product', Bentley's self important grin has been replaced with a moonfaced mope, as modelled most effortlessly after missing the crucial spot kick in the Carling Cup Final shootout. N5 has been quick to airmail its sympathy in the shape of several thousand hand gesticulations.LD.

P.S. I am well aware of the irony of the fact that three of my top five have scored against Arsenal this season, so please don't feel you need to point that out.

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Adebayor has 12 goals and 8 assists. I gave Gallas player of the month for February, so it would have been hypocritical for me to put him in. Especially since he's probably been our best player since Xmas. From the Arsenal POV, nobody has really played regularly enough to feature, I still don't take to Diaby but he's barely played, the only players who have been consistently fit for us have done o.k.

Adebayor has 12 goals and 8 assists. I gave Gallas player of the month for February, so it would have been hypocritical for me to put him in. Especially since he's probably been our best player since Xmas. From the Arsenal POV, nobody has really played regularly enough to feature, I still don't take to Diaby but he's barely played, the only players who have been consistently fit for us have done o.k.

Robinho cost £32m and has been fined for breaches of discipline twice since he last scored four months ago. Adebayor has 12 goals and 8 assists despite having been out for nearly three months of this season. You're right, he hasn't been as good as last year and there are signs he has been flat track bullying, but he still doesn't justify inclusion.

Robinho cost £32m and has been fined for breaches of discipline twice since he last scored four months ago. Adebayor has 12 goals and 8 assists despite having been out for nearly three months of this season. You're right, he hasn't been as good as last year and there are signs he has been flat track bullying, but he still doesn't justify inclusion.

Richards very nearly made it. He's got Big Time Charlie syndrome, but I plumped for Coloccini because he's supposed to be experienced. How ironic that, whilst Bramble impresses away fromthe Toon circus, his replacement flounders like a fish out of water.

Richards very nearly made it. He's got Big Time Charlie syndrome, but I plumped for Coloccini because he's supposed to be experienced. How ironic that, whilst Bramble impresses away fromthe Toon circus, his replacement flounders like a fish out of water.

Just letting you know that Dossena isn't a right-back so he hasn't been kept out by Carra, Skrtel and Masch. Besides, anyone who scores against the Mancs will always have a place in my heart. :) As for the list, Malouda and maybe even Nani?

Just letting you know that Dossena isn't a right-back so he hasn't been kept out by Carra, Skrtel and Masch. Besides, anyone who scores against the Mancs will always have a place in my heart. :) As for the list, Malouda and maybe even Nani?

How can Gallas be in there TimBoro? Another case of reading the Sun i think. Lets all hate Gallas because he sat on the pitch at birmingham and was stripped of his captaincy therefore he must be a flop and its fashionable to dislike him. If you knew anything about football you would realise he has been by far our best defender and one of our top 3 players in 2009.

How can Gallas be in there TimBoro? Another case of reading the Sun i think. Lets all hate Gallas because he sat on the pitch at birmingham and was stripped of his captaincy therefore he must be a flop and its fashionable to dislike him. If you knew anything about football you would realise he has been by far our best defender and one of our top 3 players in 2009.

To be fair paul ownz im only going of what i see on tv, but he does make a lot of mistakes for a supposedly experienced top center-half like the 1 he made to let martins in the other week. I just think its rather amusing that arsenal have spectacularly under-achieved yet I am the 1 who knows nothing about football for suggesting an arsenal player be in the top 10, funny that!

To be fair paul ownz im only going of what i see on tv, but he does make a lot of mistakes for a supposedly experienced top center-half like the 1 he made to let martins in the other week. I just think its rather amusing that arsenal have spectacularly under-achieved yet I am the 1 who knows nothing about football for suggesting an arsenal player be in the top 10, funny that!

You clearly dont know much if you call being in europes top 8 teams and an FA cup semi final "spectacular under achievement" we arent where we want to be league wise but our season is far from a disaster thus far, yours?

I don't really think we have underachieved in fairness, where we are is a good reflection of the quality we currently possess. But our team hasn't really been constant enough to justify any of our players being included. The only players with decent fitness records are Denilson and Sagna who have been excellent, Almunia has been o.k, Clichy has not been great by his standards of late, but by no means a disaster and RvP who has been pretty darn good actually. Malouda would have been a fair inclusion.

You clearly dont know much if you call being in europes top 8 teams and an FA cup semi final "spectacular under achievement" we arent where we want to be league wise but our season is far from a disaster thus far, yours?

I don't really think we have underachieved in fairness, where we are is a good reflection of the quality we currently possess. But our team hasn't really been constant enough to justify any of our players being included. The only players with decent fitness records are Denilson and Sagna who have been excellent, Almunia has been o.k, Clichy has not been great by his standards of late, but by no means a disaster and RvP who has been pretty darn good actually. Malouda would have been a fair inclusion.

Nice list there, agree with most of them. I too would add Micah Richards and to think he was a summer target. Anyway, don't think the spuds will like this list, not that we care. You know how they like to exaggerate, a few good games and their players are suddenly "one of the best in the Premier League". :P

Like iceman said, last 8 of CL and semi finals of the FA cup. 4th in the league is below expectations but no one really mentions the vast amount of injuries we have had. Fabregas 4 months, Adebayor 3 months, Eduardo a year, Rosicky 15 months +, Walcott 3 months. If you took out the equivilant of the Man United team Ronaldo, Rooney, Scholes, Carrick, Tevez im sure they wouldnt be top

Nice list there, agree with most of them. I too would add Micah Richards and to think he was a summer target. Anyway, don't think the spuds will like this list, not that we care. You know how they like to exaggerate, a few good games and their players are suddenly "one of the best in the Premier League". :P

Like iceman said, last 8 of CL and semi finals of the FA cup. 4th in the league is below expectations but no one really mentions the vast amount of injuries we have had. Fabregas 4 months, Adebayor 3 months, Eduardo a year, Rosicky 15 months +, Walcott 3 months. If you took out the equivilant of the Man United team Ronaldo, Rooney, Scholes, Carrick, Tevez im sure they wouldnt be top

I suppose it should be regarded as some sort of backhanded compliment that Liverpool have two players in your list and are still challenging for both the big trophies.Arsenal should have someone in that list though, but because I don't really pay much attention to you I wouldn't know who to choose - if not one of the players then possibly monsieur voyeur for a rather poor season by Arsenal's high standards.

I suppose it should be regarded as some sort of backhanded compliment that Liverpool have two players in your list and are still challenging for both the big trophies.Arsenal should have someone in that list though, but because I don't really pay much attention to you I wouldn't know who to choose - if not one of the players then possibly monsieur voyeur for a rather poor season by Arsenal's high standards.

Now, Naoise, I was agreeing with you (for me, I would add Silvestre) there until you had to make it personal with your 'vouyer' comment. The whole 'fat Spanish waiter' comments was uncalled for, but you couldn't take the high road. Btw, I would rather have Benitez win the league than Ferguson.

Now, Naoise, I was agreeing with you (for me, I would add Silvestre) there until you had to make it personal with your 'vouyer' comment. The whole 'fat Spanish waiter' comments was uncalled for, but you couldn't take the high road. Btw, I would rather have Benitez win the league than Ferguson.

Berba has been in good form for the Mancs honestly, I would not put him there at all. Nani and Anderson would get my vote as the latter, once dubbed the new Ronaldinho and Adriano combined has yet to score for the the Mancs at all (at least I think so) so Anderson is technically a flop for me. Micah could also make that list with ease, Alves definitely. Deco has been unlucky with injuries and comes from La Liga so lets not be too harsh on him. Bentley more than deserves his place. Dossena would have made the list but an world-class chip over VDS at OT? That's more than worth 10M!!! Would have liked to put Degen but he went to Liverpool on a free anyways. The only flop in Arsenal for me is egg-head. Vela is also half a flop. Rosicky is dead.

Berba has been in good form for the Mancs honestly, I would not put him there at all. Nani and Anderson would get my vote as the latter, once dubbed the new Ronaldinho and Adriano combined has yet to score for the the Mancs at all (at least I think so) so Anderson is technically a flop for me. Micah could also make that list with ease, Alves definitely. Deco has been unlucky with injuries and comes from La Liga so lets not be too harsh on him. Bentley more than deserves his place. Dossena would have made the list but an world-class chip over VDS at OT? That's more than worth 10M!!! Would have liked to put Degen but he went to Liverpool on a free anyways. The only flop in Arsenal for me is egg-head. Vela is also half a flop. Rosicky is dead.

you must have had things expected of you in order to be a flop. The players that have disappointed for Arsenal weren't expected to do anything anyway. Plus there's only 10 spots. And Naoise, if you can't figure out why Wenger isn't on a list of players then coming up with clever nicknames for opposing managers should be further down on your list.

you must have had things expected of you in order to be a flop. The players that have disappointed for Arsenal weren't expected to do anything anyway. Plus there's only 10 spots. And Naoise, if you can't figure out why Wenger isn't on a list of players then coming up with clever nicknames for opposing managers should be further down on your list.

I'd struggle to swap Dossena for Malouda, who's been given almost 2 seasons and still hasn't proven himself. He's the guy who had supposedly kept Ribery out of his favourite LW spot in France's starting line-up and had moved to Chelsea for a reported £13.5m. Whereas Dossena only joined Liverpool last summer and at a smaller fee. A flawless list otherwise!

I'd struggle to swap Dossena for Malouda, who's been given almost 2 seasons and still hasn't proven himself. He's the guy who had supposedly kept Ribery out of his favourite LW spot in France's starting line-up and had moved to Chelsea for a reported £13.5m. Whereas Dossena only joined Liverpool last summer and at a smaller fee. A flawless list otherwise!

Stuk, Nani, Anderson and Vela (even more so) are still young at least. But the rest of these guys are supposedly established stars who should be able to do better jobs than they have now. That's the yardstick we should use when it comes to judging "flops" I think - expectation, costs involved and the supposed quality they have versus actual performance. So I wouldn't blame Richards too much either though he's been disappointing.

Stuk, Nani, Anderson and Vela (even more so) are still young at least. But the rest of these guys are supposedly established stars who should be able to do better jobs than they have now. That's the yardstick we should use when it comes to judging "flops" I think - expectation, costs involved and the supposed quality they have versus actual performance. So I wouldn't blame Richards too much either though he's been disappointing.

crazyforchelsea, nah, but chelski attempt at playing beautiful football would be considered a flop. Now it's back to 1-0 result to the chelski. But that didn't stop the spuds from beating you. I mean, it's was a real competitive match you lost to the spuds and it's not one of those tournaments to win some glorified teapot.

crazyforchelsea, nah, but chelski attempt at playing beautiful football would be considered a flop. Now it's back to 1-0 result to the chelski. But that didn't stop the spuds from beating you. I mean, it's was a real competitive match you lost to the spuds and it's not one of those tournaments to win some glorified teapot.

Oh, shut your crap shewore, it's your knowledge on display here, it shows you don't know anything about Portugese football, you ignorant slob. If you cared anyhow he WAS compared in Portugal when he was playing there (bet you didn't know anyway) he played CMF or AM and it was in Man U was he changed into a holding MF. So get your facts and brain together (if you have any) before attempting to hack other people's opinion down.

Oh, shut your crap shewore, it's your knowledge on display here, it shows you don't know anything about Portugese football, you ignorant slob. If you cared anyhow he WAS compared in Portugal when he was playing there (bet you didn't know anyway) he played CMF or AM and it was in Man U was he changed into a holding MF. So get your facts and brain together (if you have any) before attempting to hack other people's opinion down.

TPowell I think you should reread my post - I basically said that I can't see an obvious candidate from you for this list, though I haven't really been looking, so as a result the manager should take the main blame, as there's no denying that Arsenal have been underwhelming this season, injury issues noted, and if that's not the fault of one player, then you know where the blame must be laid.BMF yeah you're right, but I don't see why all other fans are allowed to call Rafa that with impunity - United/Toffees/Chelsea I can understand, but why you lot? Anyway, if you were a neutral you'd admit that the 'voyeur' comment was pretty funny :p

TPowell I think you should reread my post - I basically said that I can't see an obvious candidate from you for this list, though I haven't really been looking, so as a result the manager should take the main blame, as there's no denying that Arsenal have been underwhelming this season, injury issues noted, and if that's not the fault of one player, then you know where the blame must be laid.BMF yeah you're right, but I don't see why all other fans are allowed to call Rafa that with impunity - United/Toffees/Chelsea I can understand, but why you lot? Anyway, if you were a neutral you'd admit that the 'voyeur' comment was pretty funny :p

I actually think Robinho has been fairly ok. Anything he does will always have the 32M cloud hanging over it and he suffers as a result of that. Its no surprise that he struggles in away games (something that we saw in Nasri also earlier in the season. Thankfully that has now improved) as he's taking longer to adapt to the Premiership. Apart from that, the list looks fine.

I actually think Robinho has been fairly ok. Anything he does will always have the 32M cloud hanging over it and he suffers as a result of that. Its no surprise that he struggles in away games (something that we saw in Nasri also earlier in the season. Thankfully that has now improved) as he's taking longer to adapt to the Premiership. Apart from that, the list looks fine.

Not that surprised there are no gooners on this list, it was written by a gooner after all! Of our lot, Adebayor was probably expected to exceed or at least match his contribution last term - that he hasn't could have merited him a place on this list, especially after the resigning fiasco.

Not that surprised there are no gooners on this list, it was written by a gooner after all! Of our lot, Adebayor was probably expected to exceed or at least match his contribution last term - that he hasn't could have merited him a place on this list, especially after the resigning fiasco.

BMF, the sad thing is that the 'less football-wise fans' did expect him to be a world class player as soon as he came. He clearly isn't, although has done fairly well for his 1st season. As for Anderson at Man U, I like him as a player, I watched him for Porto several times and he had a completely different style to how he plays now. He was a typical brazillian dribbler with a decent shot. Since at Man U he seems to have almost tried to hard to adapt to the EPL's phisicality, and now plays as a dogged midfielder. Perhaps also having something to do with the fact that he plays with Ronaldo etc? Now he's not the creative, skillful linchpin as he was at porto, maybe he feels less needed to play as he did?

BMF, the sad thing is that the 'less football-wise fans' did expect him to be a world class player as soon as he came. He clearly isn't, although has done fairly well for his 1st season. As for Anderson at Man U, I like him as a player, I watched him for Porto several times and he had a completely different style to how he plays now. He was a typical brazillian dribbler with a decent shot. Since at Man U he seems to have almost tried to hard to adapt to the EPL's phisicality, and now plays as a dogged midfielder. Perhaps also having something to do with the fact that he plays with Ronaldo etc? Now he's not the creative, skillful linchpin as he was at porto, maybe he feels less needed to play as he did?

I knoiw hes a mercenary and hes hardly set the world alight, but theres NO WAY Robinho has been a flop. Away hes been poor but at Eastlands hes looked world class. I dont like him, but how you can put him in there ahead of Xisco and Dave Kitson ive no idea.

I knoiw hes a mercenary and hes hardly set the world alight, but theres NO WAY Robinho has been a flop. Away hes been poor but at Eastlands hes looked world class. I dont like him, but how you can put him in there ahead of Xisco and Dave Kitson ive no idea.

iceman you beat me to this one, I just thought of him myself! 5M may not be a big no. but 2 years in the Prem. plus being the club's record signing? Honestly I think Stoke would've been better with Doyle instead.

iceman you beat me to this one, I just thought of him myself! 5M may not be a big no. but 2 years in the Prem. plus being the club's record signing? Honestly I think Stoke would've been better with Doyle instead.

I'll get slated for this but I really do think that the first half of Arsenal's season can be listed as one of this season's major flops--absolutely horrendous. Losses to 5 teams in the space of a few months (incl. 2 on our home ground, one of them being a team never before in the top flight), losing strong leads that turn to draws in ridiculous, comedy fashion. Some of those lossese were also incredibly comical and pathetic -- like the spectacularly bad set piece problem we had, our ludicrous lack of preparation for Delap's well-known throw-in, our spectacularly bad performance at Man City. This has been Wenger's weakest team ever so I do think we qualify as a big flop. We only managed to stay 5th for so long because Everton couldn't overtake us. And we've gotten 4th because Villa couldn't hold on due to their long season and thin squad.

I'll get slated for this but I really do think that the first half of Arsenal's season can be listed as one of this season's major flops--absolutely horrendous. Losses to 5 teams in the space of a few months (incl. 2 on our home ground, one of them being a team never before in the top flight), losing strong leads that turn to draws in ridiculous, comedy fashion. Some of those lossese were also incredibly comical and pathetic -- like the spectacularly bad set piece problem we had, our ludicrous lack of preparation for Delap's well-known throw-in, our spectacularly bad performance at Man City. This has been Wenger's weakest team ever so I do think we qualify as a big flop. We only managed to stay 5th for so long because Everton couldn't overtake us. And we've gotten 4th because Villa couldn't hold on due to their long season and thin squad.

So many flops! and Naoise, of course Wenger gets the majority of blame for the season thus far, but this is a list of players, isn't it? Even still he hasn't had that bad a year considering he still has a job...

So many flops! and Naoise, of course Wenger gets the majority of blame for the season thus far, but this is a list of players, isn't it? Even still he hasn't had that bad a year considering he still has a job...

And personally I would have Robbie Keane as number one. The only reason his season hasn't been a total disaster is that he scored against us and is also one of the rare examples of a shrewd personnel decision by T*ttenham.

And personally I would have Robbie Keane as number one. The only reason his season hasn't been a total disaster is that he scored against us and is also one of the rare examples of a shrewd personnel decision by T*ttenham.

LD, I'm surprised that you didn't list perhaps the biggest Brazilian flop this season: Felipao. To me, he's an obvious choice. And I say that with no pleasure as I really hoped Felipao would do well at Chelsea. I know I shouldn't feel that way as a gooner but I just hoped that Felipao would make Chelsea into another good attacking team that's fun to watch while still maintaining the needed toughness and solidity to keep Abramovich happy. As to your choices, I'm especially interested in the Brazilian candidates for this list of course, so: Alves at Boro--huge disappointment for me, thought he'd do better. I was excited to see him come to the PL and really hoped he'd prove Southgate's belief right. Robinho--absolutely NO surprise there. I remember seeing those images of City fans shouting at the cameras "we've got Robinho!" when news came thru of his transfer and shook my head thinking "you poor fools." I felt sorry for them, since I have a soft spot for the blue half of Manchester and knew that they'd inevitably be disappointed. Yes, Robinho's had some good games and he's very talented. He plays well for our national team, too. But his personality always gets in the way of real success. I knew this would be a bad transfer, esp. with a no-nonsense manager like Hughes in charge. Robinho's a huge pain in the a-s-s, he always leaves his clubs badly (he did the same with Santos, they don't miss him) and he's got a massive ego. On a personal level he can be a lot of fun to hang around with and some of his club teammates enjoy his company up to a point---until eventually his self-indulgence and irresponsibility shows thru. Over the last couple of seasons I've seen so many gooners on the net wish that AW would shell out money for Robinho, they're crazy. AW knows what he's doing--even if he had the money, he'd never go for a player with his reputation.

LD, I'm surprised that you didn't list perhaps the biggest Brazilian flop this season: Felipao. To me, he's an obvious choice. And I say that with no pleasure as I really hoped Felipao would do well at Chelsea. I know I shouldn't feel that way as a gooner but I just hoped that Felipao would make Chelsea into another good attacking team that's fun to watch while still maintaining the needed toughness and solidity to keep Abramovich happy. As to your choices, I'm especially interested in the Brazilian candidates for this list of course, so: Alves at Boro--huge disappointment for me, thought he'd do better. I was excited to see him come to the PL and really hoped he'd prove Southgate's belief right. Robinho--absolutely NO surprise there. I remember seeing those images of City fans shouting at the cameras "we've got Robinho!" when news came thru of his transfer and shook my head thinking "you poor fools." I felt sorry for them, since I have a soft spot for the blue half of Manchester and knew that they'd inevitably be disappointed. Yes, Robinho's had some good games and he's very talented. He plays well for our national team, too. But his personality always gets in the way of real success. I knew this would be a bad transfer, esp. with a no-nonsense manager like Hughes in charge. Robinho's a huge pain in the a-s-s, he always leaves his clubs badly (he did the same with Santos, they don't miss him) and he's got a massive ego. On a personal level he can be a lot of fun to hang around with and some of his club teammates enjoy his company up to a point---until eventually his self-indulgence and irresponsibility shows thru. Over the last couple of seasons I've seen so many gooners on the net wish that AW would shell out money for Robinho, they're crazy. AW knows what he's doing--even if he had the money, he'd never go for a player with his reputation.

Good points made there Jaelle, as usual. Stukazufuss, got no need to respond to your slurs apart from stating that i can only judge Anderson on what i've seen in the flesh, and that'a s bloody good box to box midfielder, Haven't seen many games in Portugal i'm afraid.

Good points made there Jaelle, as usual. Stukazufuss, got no need to respond to your slurs apart from stating that i can only judge Anderson on what i've seen in the flesh, and that'a s bloody good box to box midfielder, Haven't seen many games in Portugal i'm afraid.

jaelle, when I was a bit less mature I was one of those crazy people wanting AW to sign Robinho. I still love his talent, but I wouldn't get him of course, you've already said why. However, as for AW never getting a player who displays that kind of attitude, how about Billy G when he came? Dave Kitson has to be on this list...

jaelle, when I was a bit less mature I was one of those crazy people wanting AW to sign Robinho. I still love his talent, but I wouldn't get him of course, you've already said why. However, as for AW never getting a player who displays that kind of attitude, how about Billy G when he came? Dave Kitson has to be on this list...

Rob, no way do I put Gallas in the same category as Robinho! AW has certainly had players with dodgy attitudes. And certainly Cashley is a major a-s-s-hole. But there is a basic lack of professionalism and commitment, an overwhelming selfishness about Robinho that Gallas does not have. Gallas understands the concept of professionalism in a way that Robinho has never had, and I don't think he ever will. Gallas may have broken that concept a handful of times but with Robinho it's a chronic problem. Gallas' problem is that he feels too much, he wants to win too much, he's a moaner. Occasionally he'll get so frustrated that he loses concentration and focus and makes silly mistakes. It's true there have been occasions this season when his commitment has been doubtful. My take on that was that it was a temporary case of frustration overwhelming him so much that he switched off--briefly. I also believed that all the above coupled with the captaincy just did his head in. Those are real flaws, I grant you. But Gallas for the most part cares too damned much. Robinho doesn't. I don't believe he's ever really given a damn about Man City (nor Real nor Santos) and has just used the club's big money offer to leave Real and eventually wind up somewhere bigger. He actually wanted to go to Chelsea and at the last minute settled for City--temporarily, I believe. He's never shown himself to be consistently, reliably committed to his team. Stunts like flying off to Brazil without his manager's knowledge or permission are routine for him. shewore, re Anderson--he's viewed by a lot of Brazilians as a player who still has to prove himself. Fine player but I sometimes think that his vaunted potential is actually not what it's cracked up to be. He's a good player but sometimes he seems like just a basic huff-and-puffer faux rotweiler out to prove something. And it's true there was a time he was compared to Dinho and Adriano but that's routine for almost every Brazilian boy wonder.

Rob, no way do I put Gallas in the same category as Robinho! AW has certainly had players with dodgy attitudes. And certainly Cashley is a major a-s-s-hole. But there is a basic lack of professionalism and commitment, an overwhelming selfishness about Robinho that Gallas does not have. Gallas understands the concept of professionalism in a way that Robinho has never had, and I don't think he ever will. Gallas may have broken that concept a handful of times but with Robinho it's a chronic problem. Gallas' problem is that he feels too much, he wants to win too much, he's a moaner. Occasionally he'll get so frustrated that he loses concentration and focus and makes silly mistakes. It's true there have been occasions this season when his commitment has been doubtful. My take on that was that it was a temporary case of frustration overwhelming him so much that he switched off--briefly. I also believed that all the above coupled with the captaincy just did his head in. Those are real flaws, I grant you. But Gallas for the most part cares too damned much. Robinho doesn't. I don't believe he's ever really given a damn about Man City (nor Real nor Santos) and has just used the club's big money offer to leave Real and eventually wind up somewhere bigger. He actually wanted to go to Chelsea and at the last minute settled for City--temporarily, I believe. He's never shown himself to be consistently, reliably committed to his team. Stunts like flying off to Brazil without his manager's knowledge or permission are routine for him. shewore, re Anderson--he's viewed by a lot of Brazilians as a player who still has to prove himself. Fine player but I sometimes think that his vaunted potential is actually not what it's cracked up to be. He's a good player but sometimes he seems like just a basic huff-and-puffer faux rotweiler out to prove something. And it's true there was a time he was compared to Dinho and Adriano but that's routine for almost every Brazilian boy wonder.

My vote goes to Anderson, i heard someone saying he had a better season that Fabregas last year and that he is as good as Gerrard, in fact, Gerrard was in his pocket!!! Anderson, most overated 17 million pound player along with Nani, Carrick & Hargreaves. I know we get slated for buying Keane for 20 million, but these players are gone under the radar, similar to you lot with Reyes!

My vote goes to Anderson, i heard someone saying he had a better season that Fabregas last year and that he is as good as Gerrard, in fact, Gerrard was in his pocket!!! Anderson, most overated 17 million pound player along with Nani, Carrick & Hargreaves. I know we get slated for buying Keane for 20 million, but these players are gone under the radar, similar to you lot with Reyes!

Fair point, with Gallas it's a desire to win which triggers him off, with Robinho it's a frustration at himself. Gallas' faults stem from having a passionate, dedicated attitude, Robinho's comes from a 'beach-football' idealism, where he just wants to do some nice stepover's and get's p*ssed off when he isn't allowed. I should also put on record that in no way do i consider Gallas to be a 'whinger', like Robinho is, just a bit of an unstable character.

Fair point, with Gallas it's a desire to win which triggers him off, with Robinho it's a frustration at himself. Gallas' faults stem from having a passionate, dedicated attitude, Robinho's comes from a 'beach-football' idealism, where he just wants to do some nice stepover's and get's p*ssed off when he isn't allowed. I should also put on record that in no way do i consider Gallas to be a 'whinger', like Robinho is, just a bit of an unstable character.

Eusebio, despite being a Manc and a former Spud, I will actually get behind Carrick there. Although his price tag was definately over-the-top, I actually consider him to be a critical part of Man U's recent success, keeping the team ticking along well. He's not inexceedable, but he has been by no means a flop.

Eusebio, despite being a Manc and a former Spud, I will actually get behind Carrick there. Although his price tag was definately over-the-top, I actually consider him to be a critical part of Man U's recent success, keeping the team ticking along well. He's not inexceedable, but he has been by no means a flop.

Dossena isn't a first choice fullback for Italy, and he doesn't play on the right. He plays left back, and Aurelio is the one who kept his splinter ridden backside firmly planted on the bench. But, like Aamir said, anyone who scores against Real Madrid and Manu can't be all bad. :)

Dossena isn't a first choice fullback for Italy, and he doesn't play on the right. He plays left back, and Aurelio is the one who kept his splinter ridden backside firmly planted on the bench. But, like Aamir said, anyone who scores against Real Madrid and Manu can't be all bad. :)

"i heard someone saying he had a better season that Fabregas last year " -- that someone is a total idiot! Give me a break! Typical of the mancs, they were absolutely certain that Anderson had Fabregas in his pocket at the Emirates game last season. They routinely use that game to exaggerate Anderson's ability and always say that Fabregas was in his pocket. There's even a manc song about it. I've watched that game over and over again and it's a ridiculous exaggeration. Not saying that Anderson had a bad game but neither did he have an easy time handling Fabregas. The two seemed fairly even to me.

"i heard someone saying he had a better season that Fabregas last year " -- that someone is a total idiot! Give me a break! Typical of the mancs, they were absolutely certain that Anderson had Fabregas in his pocket at the Emirates game last season. They routinely use that game to exaggerate Anderson's ability and always say that Fabregas was in his pocket. There's even a manc song about it. I've watched that game over and over again and it's a ridiculous exaggeration. Not saying that Anderson had a bad game but neither did he have an easy time handling Fabregas. The two seemed fairly even to me.

They say the same thing about Gerrard. They said that Anderson had him in his pocket when we played them last season at Anfield. I've also watched that game several times and the outstanding Manu midfielder that game was Hargreaves, not Anderson.

They say the same thing about Gerrard. They said that Anderson had him in his pocket when we played them last season at Anfield. I've also watched that game several times and the outstanding Manu midfielder that game was Hargreaves, not Anderson.

Interesting you mention Malouda, Lou, because I was just thinking about him. Can't argue that he's one of the biggest flops in the PL but he was also a flop last season, so it's hardly unique to 08-09. Malouda's case for me is of particular interest because of my support of the French NT. I'd been an admirer of Malouda, he was absolutey critical to France's campaign in the 06 wc. He was their best player in the final. When I heard he was coming to Chelsea, I thought "now that's a very smart buy." But he's had the same fate that so many Lyon players who come to England have had. For awhile I wondered if it was just a case of not having the right manager. After all, Chelsea have never truly used Essien to his full potential (not Mourinho, Grant, Felipao or even Hiddink yet). Same with JCole or Robben -- all 3 are Chelsea players I've always thought could've been used so much better than they are/were. Essien, for me, is particularly wasted at Chelsea. But in the case of Malouda, it may just be that he's not up to the PL in general regardless of the manager.

Interesting you mention Malouda, Lou, because I was just thinking about him. Can't argue that he's one of the biggest flops in the PL but he was also a flop last season, so it's hardly unique to 08-09. Malouda's case for me is of particular interest because of my support of the French NT. I'd been an admirer of Malouda, he was absolutey critical to France's campaign in the 06 wc. He was their best player in the final. When I heard he was coming to Chelsea, I thought "now that's a very smart buy." But he's had the same fate that so many Lyon players who come to England have had. For awhile I wondered if it was just a case of not having the right manager. After all, Chelsea have never truly used Essien to his full potential (not Mourinho, Grant, Felipao or even Hiddink yet). Same with JCole or Robben -- all 3 are Chelsea players I've always thought could've been used so much better than they are/were. Essien, for me, is particularly wasted at Chelsea. But in the case of Malouda, it may just be that he's not up to the PL in general regardless of the manager.

gk107, yeah, and I remember Cesc miming Anderson's diving antics in a little chat the two were having. I thought it was funny myself -- 2 young adrenaline-pumped Iberians, I could just imagine their version of Portunhol (that's Portuguese and Espanol together).

gk107, yeah, and I remember Cesc miming Anderson's diving antics in a little chat the two were having. I thought it was funny myself -- 2 young adrenaline-pumped Iberians, I could just imagine their version of Portunhol (that's Portuguese and Espanol together).

Malouda and kitson are very decent suggestions. Jo I couldn't include because City rarely played him. I'm sure there's a reason for that but I can't see it, so I can't rightly put him in the list, plus Everton seem to be gettins use out of him. If any Arsenal players were worthy of inclusion, they'd be in,I'd have no compunction about that and have never had any hesitation in criticising Arsenal here. Hell, look at the top players list, I put Gerrard and Lampard in the top 3 and I hate them both with a passion, but fair's fair. Few Arsenal players have been fit all season and those that are have done well. I repeat, I don't think we've underachieved this season, since September 2nd when I saw the squad we had, this is about what I expected league wise and have expressed that here many times.

Malouda and kitson are very decent suggestions. Jo I couldn't include because City rarely played him. I'm sure there's a reason for that but I can't see it, so I can't rightly put him in the list, plus Everton seem to be gettins use out of him. If any Arsenal players were worthy of inclusion, they'd be in,I'd have no compunction about that and have never had any hesitation in criticising Arsenal here. Hell, look at the top players list, I put Gerrard and Lampard in the top 3 and I hate them both with a passion, but fair's fair. Few Arsenal players have been fit all season and those that are have done well. I repeat, I don't think we've underachieved this season, since September 2nd when I saw the squad we had, this is about what I expected league wise and have expressed that here many times.

I don;t think you'll find many Spurs fans disagreeing with your choice at no.1. One moment of brillianceall season and its been the only positive thing to come of him. Gotta say Kitson should probably be up there too though!

I don;t think you'll find many Spurs fans disagreeing with your choice at no.1. One moment of brillianceall season and its been the only positive thing to come of him. Gotta say Kitson should probably be up there too though!

What, no Geovanni dos Santos? How about William Gallas? I know Robinho has gone well and truly off the boil and it's perplexing City fans no end, but do Arsenal have anyone on 11 goals for the season?
Perhaps you could add Adebayor to that list then.

What, no Geovanni dos Santos? How about William Gallas? I know Robinho has gone well and truly off the boil and it's perplexing City fans no end, but do Arsenal have anyone on 11 goals for the season?
Perhaps you could add Adebayor to that list then.

I think people have got to understand what a flop is. To me a flop is someone who came with high expecatations and not delivered, or massivly underachieved. In that case Keane has been a flop because whether given the chance or not, he has gone back to spurs after not fitting in with the managers plans and generally not being a success. Robinho has also been some what of a flop because he came with a massive reputation, talking up Cities chances yet since november has not scored. I dont see how Gallas is a flop seeing as how he has been instrumental in us not losing since november and being the best defender on our team. In the league we have only conceeded 9 in the last 16. Adebayor has a case for being a flop after scoring 30 last season.

I think people have got to understand what a flop is. To me a flop is someone who came with high expecatations and not delivered, or massivly underachieved. In that case Keane has been a flop because whether given the chance or not, he has gone back to spurs after not fitting in with the managers plans and generally not being a success. Robinho has also been some what of a flop because he came with a massive reputation, talking up Cities chances yet since november has not scored. I dont see how Gallas is a flop seeing as how he has been instrumental in us not losing since november and being the best defender on our team. In the league we have only conceeded 9 in the last 16. Adebayor has a case for being a flop after scoring 30 last season.

Adebayor has 12 goals and 8 assists in 27 appearances. You simply cannot call him a flop. He might be an idiot, but a flop he ain't. Robinho is the most expenisve player in British history and he has affected team spirit, not scored since November (incidentally, for the City fans asking for Gallas' inclusion, the City game was the last league game Gallas missed. It was also the last time Arsenal lost in the league) and been fined twice for breaches of discipline. Before November he would have been more likely to be on the team of the year list, but since then he has been truly awful and it's down to a lack of interest- which suggests he's going in the summer and thus, at £32m a flop. When he plays for Brazil he looks interested all of a sudden, culminating in him scoring one of the best goals our stadium has sen against Italy. (Bettered only by Kaka's goal on our ground against Argentina).

Adebayor has 12 goals and 8 assists in 27 appearances. You simply cannot call him a flop. He might be an idiot, but a flop he ain't. Robinho is the most expenisve player in British history and he has affected team spirit, not scored since November (incidentally, for the City fans asking for Gallas' inclusion, the City game was the last league game Gallas missed. It was also the last time Arsenal lost in the league) and been fined twice for breaches of discipline. Before November he would have been more likely to be on the team of the year list, but since then he has been truly awful and it's down to a lack of interest- which suggests he's going in the summer and thus, at £32m a flop. When he plays for Brazil he looks interested all of a sudden, culminating in him scoring one of the best goals our stadium has sen against Italy. (Bettered only by Kaka's goal on our ground against Argentina).

If you were going to go by under achievers, or not playing anywhere near as good as last year then maybe Ronaldo could be there. Most of his goals have been from the spot it seems, and he certainly isnt terrorising defences as much as last year.

If you were going to go by under achievers, or not playing anywhere near as good as last year then maybe Ronaldo could be there. Most of his goals have been from the spot it seems, and he certainly isnt terrorising defences as much as last year.

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